January 17 '08:Skyhook Wireless has developed a geographically-based location technology for devices such as personal computers, PDAs and smartphones which allows users to find their location without needing GPS technology. CNET News reported that Skyhook also has partnered with Google and Apple to incorporate the technology into the iPhone.

CNET reported, "Here's how it works: Every WiFi access point (every Internet device, in fact) has a unique fixed-in-hardware machine identifier, which is transmitted whenever it is on. If you have a database of these AP identifiers and their physical locations, you can use the WiFi radio in your laptop of PDS to triangulate against that data.

"Keeping the database of what's where update is the trick. Skyhook employs a fleet of 200 full-time people who have the job of "wardriving" up and down city streets in cars equipped with GPS receivers and WiFi scanners, mapping the location of hotspots and access points."

Mapping technology using Skyhook's capability helps to reduce the strain on a devices battery life - a drawback to using a GPS-based technology. Mapping based on WiFi also does not require extra hardware upgrades.